A Very Grumpy Firefighter

Wolf Valley: Grumps #5

by Shaw Hart, Mark Stiehl (Narrator), Shayr Guthrie (Narrator)

She thinks it’s an arranged marriage. He knows it’s the real deal.

Lilou
I never thought that I would fall in love or get married.

Not after watching my mom’s marriages fail and being there to help her pick up the pieces afterward.

I had sworn off men, which was easy because no man had ever tempted me before.

Not until Milo.
He makes me want to try.

I almost give in to my feelings when tragedy strikes, and I’m forced to sell the only thing that I have.
Myself.

Milo
When I find out that Lilou signed up for an arranged marriage, I freak out.

I know that she’s meant to be mine, and I’m not about to lose her before I have a chance to prove that to her.

So, I pay to be her husband.

She seems shocked when she finds out, but I’m thrilled.

I have my dream girl right where I want her.

Now I just need to make her mine.

For real.

Genres: Contemporary

Audible Audio

Published March 12, 2025

About the author

USA Today and Amazon Top 100 Bestselling Author Shaw Hart writes short, sweet, and steamy romances. Looking for some flirty, feel good reads? Then check out her books on Amazon!

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Reviews

[Jo Reads Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and sweet small-town insta-love
5 stars

I have read a few of the Wolf Valley Grumps series - of which this is the fifth book. While they all take place in the same small town, and several of the characters appear or are referenced in this story - each stands completely alone and comes with its own happily ever after.

This is definitely my favourite story in this series so far. I’ve complained about other books - in a series with ‘Grumps’ in the title - where the hero isn’t as grumpy as promised. The same could be said of Milo - but he was only not a grump when around Lilou. And I adored that. With her, he was cute, sweet with a bit of a cheeky edge. Perfection.

Milo has been smitten with curvy, bookish Lilou since he first saw her. But she assumes that it’s her overactive imagination that makes her wonder if he likes her. Milo could have his pick of gorgeous women so she assumes she has no hope of catching his interest. But she’s got more than his interest - he’s head over heels for Lilou. He just needs to get her to realise. And Lilou’s need for money is just the opening that he needs to make her his.

Lilou was an absolute sweetheart and a really easy character to root for. She’s got the hots for Milo but is convinced he only sees her as a friend. She’s shy but not naive and underneath it all is a smart and feisty girl. I have a bit of a not so guilty pleasure for any scene where one of a pair is drunk and confesses their feelings - and yay - we got one here.

There’s a good chemistry between our pair - despite the comical misunderstanding of each other’s feelings - which translates when it’s time to get busy. Obviously it’s hot and spicy - exactly like you’d expect from a Shaw Hart story.

I always wish there was a little more surprise when a couple come together. When Lilou and Milo finally take things to the next level and realise what’s been staring them in the face all this time - I want a bit more wonder and awe. But that’s okay - it was still tasty.

This was a really fun book that I very much enjoyed reading. I’m especially intrigued by this website where you can buy a wife (and also presumably a husband) sight unseen. I would like the web address for such a site. Asking for a friend. But either way - I really enjoyed this quick and fun read and it’s one I would recommend if you’re up for a little small-town insta-love. 5 stars.

[Oriana Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lilou is a fairly new resident in Wolf Valley and works two jobs. She found new friends here and her life is good. She just needs a man in her life and she would love it to be the hot grumpy firefighter Milo. Milo is in love with Lilou since he moved to town, everyone sees it.... Only Lilou is oblivious. When she needs money for her grandpa and signs up for an arranged marriage auction ,Milo finally has the chance to get his woman forever 😏 Instalove, grumpy/sunshine, sweet, short, OTT, steamy, romantic and totally safe (I just love dual virgins😏) with an awesome HEA and no drama😍😍😍😍😍

[Jeananna w/The Book Reading Gals · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a man that is ALL IN from the beginning!! And the found family in this series is amazing. We get peeks of them in this story too!!
Milo is a loner and a firefighter. Lilou is working multiple jobs just to keep afloat and is hit with another blow from her no-good mother. Enter the auction!
I enjoyed this story enough that I will look up the grumps in this series that I may have missed!!

[Cherie Alvaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful novella. I loved the chemistry between Milo and Lilou, the plot and how Milo comes to her rescue. The storyline kept me glued to my kindle, and I was sad when it came to the end!!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Biha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, sweet, and wholesome.

If you need some emotional regulation where the MCs treat each other the way two people in love should treat each other, this one's for you.

Both Milo and Lilou have had some really shitty cards dealt to them between a shitty neglectful mother, a sick grandfather, and murdered parents, all the broken parts of their respective stories worked well together. It was also nice how they took things slower for an insta-love story.

Lilou had more healing and work to do to see her deservedness for love and Milo was really sweet working so hard to be patient with her and show he how much he sees and loves her. He was completely devoted to her and it made all of their romantic and intimate scenes that much more enjoyable to read.

5🌟 for Milo. Man was so patient and so attentive to her needs

“I know that you love plants and to read, especially romance books. I know that your favorite color is purple, you love Christmas, hate anything peach flavored, and you love sweets, especially sour gummy worms. I know that you love your grandpa and that your mom sucks. That you’re scared. I know that you’ve been alone for a while, and I think that you’re getting sick of it. You want what your friends have. You want someone who loves you.”

And that someone is me.

I keep that last part to myself because I can see that I’ve thrown her off. Lilou is staring at me wide-eyed, and I smile, reaching out and squeezing her hand.

“You like people watching? I used to do it all of the time when I was younger,” she says with a smile.

I want to growl. I’m pouring my heart out to her, and she’s still being oblivious. I want to shake her and scream that I love her, but I know that I can’t.

That’s okay. She’s mine now. I’ve got time to get through to her and show her that we’re meant to be.

⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️
Insta-love
Dual V (Both each other's first everything - kiss, date, sex)
Arranged marriage auction
Obsessed H (has been cataloguing every detail of the h for a few YEARS)
No cheating/sharing/OWD/OMD
HEA

5/5 🌟 This one was short and cute. Excited to read about Milo's brother Luca since he's moving to town. Hoping it will also be a DUALV because he did say during their conversation that he's completely inexperienced with women and since he's been in the military his whole life... 🤷🏻‍♀️ A girl can dream lol

[Lynn_G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bookshop/adult toy store/coffee shop worker Lilou has just learned of her grandfather’s medical condition requiring his move to an expensive assisted living facility. With very limited means and no way to provide care at her tiny apartment hundreds of miles away, Lilou joins an online arranged marriage auction, expecting to be compensated by marrying a complete stranger. Unbeknownst to her, however, the hunky firefighter she’s had a crush on is the winner, and he’s in it for keeps.

Having had only her mother’s capricious multiple marriages as an example of how not to be, Lilou is convinced that Milo only bid on her to keep her safe, and is sure that he can’t have any real feelings for her. A tiny apartment ensures that the newly hitched couple will be in very close proximity indeed as they begin their very unconventional relationship as husband and wife.

I rated this quick read three and a half stars rounded up to four. It mostly works as a standalone as and it is written in much the same formula as the previous books in the series: a virgin FMC for reasons decides to auction her virginity which is won by the object of her interest, and the winning bidder MMC must convince her that he’s wanted her all along.

I received an advance reader copy from Booksprout and Instalove Influencers, and I’m sharing my honest thoughts.

[Tiffany Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Sexy Firefighter**

*A Very Grumpy Firefighter* is the fifth book in the Wolf Valley: Grumps series, and it's absolutely delightful! If you love a good instalove story, you’re in for a treat with Lilou and Milo.

Lilou has a secret crush on the sexy but grumpy firefighter, Milo, who stops by her bookshop every day. But after watching her mom go from one man to another, she’s convinced that love isn’t in the cards for her—not to mention she doubts someone as handsome as Milo would ever notice her curves. When she gets a call about her grandfather needing help, she decides to become an arranged bride to support him. Little does she know that Milo has been waiting for the right moment to show her that they’re meant to be together!

When Milo finds out that Lilou is on a website to be auctioned off as an arranged bride, he jumps at the chance to bid on her. He’s determined to win her heart and prove that their chemistry is real and that he’s someone she can truly trust.

The characters are wonderfully developed, and the story is filled with warmth and support beyond just the love story. The pace is so engaging that you won't want to put it down! This was my first book in the series, and I can't wait to catch up on the earlier ones and see what the next installment has in store!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mafia Wife · Rating 4 out of 5]

After growing up with her single mom who was more interested in her latest boyfriend than her daughter, she is looking for a simple life and longs for someone to share it with. He is a local firefighter, a big hot hunk of a man, who has eyes for no one else but her, though she can't seem to see it. They have some serious mutual pining going on as they both get sucked into the chemistry they have. When her grandfather is ill and she needs money for his medical care, she makes a desperate choice to join an arranged marriage auction. When he finds out, he is determined to win that bid, knowing that no one is going to have his girl but him. Once the contract is signed, sealed and delivered, there are no more excuses for the two of them not be in the same place and they learn to trust each other and their feelings. This is such a sweet little story. They are both so incredible gone for each other, and when they finally do get in the same room the clothes quickly come off and they realize what they have been missing. He gives her exactly what she needs, what she has been craving her whole life, someone to love her and be her person. Their sweet epilogue wraps up their story so nicely.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Very Grumpy Firefighter is Book 5 of the Wolf Valley: Grumps series. It's a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, opposites-attract, secret pining, marriage auction, curvy plus-size virgin gets her hunky firefighter romance. Lilou is a sweet and curvy girl who works multiple jobs to make ends meet. She is not close to her mom but adores her grandpa. Milo is a hunky, slightly grumpy, and reclusive firefighter. He hasn't lived in Wolf Valley a long time, but one look at Lilou and he was gone for the shy, curvy beauty. She is also secretly crushing on him but thinks that she isn't good enough for him. When she finds herself needing more money than her 3 jobs provide, she decides to do a marriage auction. Milo finds out and is determined to win her and then win her over once and for all. These two were so sweet together. Milo is just a big gooey cinnomon roll. Lilou deserved to be cherished and cared for. I wanted to smack them both at times to just communicate, lol. They had hot chemistry, and we got a very happy ending. I love this whole series!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jennifer D · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a cute instalove short romance!!! (With dual virgins😍) I enjoyed this book by Shaw Hart. It was well written and easy to read.

I received an ARC copy of this book and am leaving my unbiased review voluntarily.

Lilou can’t believe that there’s any chance Milo would actually be interested in her…. Despite the crush she’s had on him for months…. So when her grandpa has a heart attack and she has to figure out a way to pay for a new full care facility for him she feels she has no other choice than to auction herself to be married to pay for his care.

Milo is stunned and panicked when he hears that Lilou, the sweet woman he’s loved since he first saw her months ago, had put herself on a marriage auction site!!! He can’t live Ruth the thought of anyone else having her so he bids on her himself…. Now he just has to figure out how to tell the woman of his dreams that he really loves her and is marrying her for love and not for money🥰🥰🥰.
These two are sweetly oblivious…it’s very cute. There’s a few good open door scenes, otherwise Milo is just an adorable cinnamon roll🥰

[Rainbowlovesbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm giving this 5/5 stars because it fit the bill and delivered exactly as it said it would.
If you want a nice instalove short read, with no drama a cinnamon roll MMC whose fallen hard and fast for his girl then Shaw Hart has you covered.

Hit with a unexpected call about her Grandpa, Lilou (the MFC) needs money and fast to pay for his care. So she signs up for an arranged marriage auction, little does she know that for the past year Milo has been in love with her and nothing will stand in his way from finally getting his girl. Can they make this arranged marriage into something real? Or will it all just crumble once the cheque is signed?

With interlinking characters that tie other books in the series together A very grumpy firefighter gives you feel good vibes and a storyline that won't have you struggling to keep up if you've not read previous books.

Great little read, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Alicia Walton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put it down. I absolutely loved this book. It started off with Lilou and Milo and their chemistry is so cute. I felt the connection between these two instantly. The story was so well written and developed so beautifully I read the entire book at once. When I picked this book up, I did not realize it was book 5 in a series but this was a complete stand alone that left me wanting more. I have to go back and get the rest of the series to read and I can not wait to reread this one. This is a cute story of two people that are so into each other and the other person has no clue. When they finally start getting closer I felt the emotions and feelings developing that just had me smiling throughout the entire book. I can not express enough to read this fantastic quick easy read for a perfect HEA for 2 beautiful characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[kymagirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lilou (h) never planned on getting married, especially not to a man who bought her. But when her grandfather falls ill and the medical bills pile up, she makes a desperate choice: entering an arranged marriage auction to secure his care. Milo (H) has been in love with Lilou from the moment he met her, watching her push him away every time he tries to get close. When he finds out she’s auctioning herself off to a stranger, he refuses to let that happen. One winning bid later, and she’s his. Lilou doesn’t understand why Milo, the grumpy and quiet firefighter, would want to marry her when he’s turned down every other woman in town. But as they navigate their unexpected engagement, she starts to see the truth, Milo doesn’t just want to help her. He wants her. A slow-burn, grumpy-sunshine romance filled with longing, misunderstandings, and one devoted firefighter who will do whatever it takes to win the heart of the woman he’s always known was meant to be his.

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Very Grumpy Firefighter (Wolf Valley: Grumps, Book 5) by Shaw Hart

A Very Grumpy Firefighter delivers a perfect mix of steamy romance, heartfelt emotion, and a possessive hero who refuses to let go of the woman he loves. Lilou has sworn off love after witnessing too many failed marriages, but when tragedy strikes, she’s forced to enter a marriage auction—never expecting the man who wins her to be Milo, the grumpy firefighter she’s secretly loved all along.

Milo has always known Lilou was meant to be his, and when he finds out she’s up for auction, he doesn’t hesitate. Now that she’s his wife, he’s determined to prove their love is real—not just a contract. Their chemistry is undeniable, their slow-burn tension is addictive, and watching Lilou learn to trust in their love is both swoon-worthy and satisfying.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though Lilou may not have the best relationship with her mother her grandfather has always been there for her. When his health begins to decline, she will do anything to help him and that includes agreeing to take part in an online marriage auction, but she never expected it would be to a man she already knows.

Milo has had feelings for Lilou for a while so when he finds out about the marriage auction, he is determined to be the winner. He doesn’t want to rush her so they begin by living together which will give him the time to show her that their marriage isn’t due to the auction but to love.

Lilou and Milo have feelings for each other, but they don’t know if the other feels the same, but I enjoyed seeing them acknowledge their feelings for each other and find the happiness they both deserve.

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a short and sweet instalove story between a grumpy firefighter and a bookstore/coffee shop/adult toy store worker. Milo knew immediately upon moving to town that Lilou was the one for him. Thanks to her mom and her many boyfriends, Lilou was too afraid to hope that Milo would like her back and squashed her crush. There were a few plot holes and the lack of communication between them could have solved a lot of things/time, but overall it was a cute story. A great twist on arranged marriage and friends to lovers! No cheating or OM/OW drama, double virgins, both experience their first kiss together, dual POV, HEA and an epilogue 5 years in the future. Another good addition to the Wolf Valley: Grumps series and looking forward to reading Lymric’s and Luca’s stories!

[Hanna Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book number 5 of the Wolf Valley: Grumps series and focuses on Milo and Lilou. Milo has been in love with Lilou since he moved to town but Lilou has been completely oblivious to his feelings towards her. Lilou has wanted Milo for a while but due to her mothers past relationships growing up she is put off towards relationships. When she needs money quickly, she decides to sign up for an arranged marriage but what she doesn’t expect is for her new husband-to-be to be Milo. Milo knew that Lilou was the one for him so he did everything he had to do to get his woman and to get her to fall for him. I loved Milo and Lilou together! This was a great story and a great addition to the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[S Celeste · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of Lilou and Milo. When Lilou’s Grandfather falls ill and she needs to find a lot of money fast to get him care and put him in a nursing home, she decides to enter a marriage auction. Little does she how that Milo, the local firefighter, has been in love with her since they met and he will not let anyone marry Lilou but him.

This is a cute instalove story. Even though it’s short the story is cute and it has just the right amount of steam and storyline. I love that Lilou is completely clueless that Milo only speaks to her and is generally a grump to the entire town. She does come around pretty fast as Milo spends time showing her she is special in everyday. I you want a cute steamy read, this one is for you.

[Lynn61 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lilou and Miles

Sometimes you just want a feel good story with low angst and likable characters. This book fills the bill nicely - a charming, entertaining and sexy read that puts a smile on your face. Miles has recently relocated and is a Wolf Valley firefighter. He fell for Lilou right away but she doesn’t realize his interest in her even though she is attracted as well. She works two jobs to make ends meet but when her grandfather is suddenly ill, she needs money quickly and decides to sign up for a marriage auction. Needless to say, Miles isn’t going to take that sitting down. Great epilogue.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mrs R · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short instalove romance.

Firefighter Miles is grumpy to everyone but Lilou. His interactions with her are adorable, and it's clear he's completely smitten with her from the start. But she is oblivious to Miles's obvious attraction.

Lilou has avoided relationships thanks to her mothers example. But when she needs money urgently, she resorts to an arranged marriage. Milo sees it as his chance to finally spend some time with her and show her that he's the man for her.

Both characters were sweet and likeable.

- grumpy firefighter
- virgin fmc & mmc
- small town
- instalove standalone

[laura.lovesreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Milo and Lilou what a pair.
He is a firefighter and is a bit lonely, so he decided to take part of an arranged marriage auction.
Lilou has a difficult family situation, is working multiple jobs to just keep herself alive and when another catastrophe comes along, she sees no other way than to take part of the auction.
He is all in from the beginning and the feelings are mutual.
I loved their connection, the feelings and he gives her finally a place, where she belongs and all the love she deserves.
It’s found family, it’s sweet, it’s spicy, it’s wholesome.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[BossyDani · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I’m not about to watch you be someone else’s wife.”

I love marriage of convenience stories! Milo has been interested in Lilou since they met but she’s resistant because of her history. Yet when she needs money and auctions herself off for marriage, Milo is the one who buys her.

Lilou is sure he only bought her to keep her from being married to a creeper and refuses to think he loves her. He gives her space and continues to be her friend and is patient with her struggles.

Shaw Hart is an automatic read and I loved reading about Milo and Lilou falling in love and their journey together.

[Nichole Loza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a book about love. I especially love a book that features characters are in love with each other, but do not have the courage to tell each other. Shaw Hart writes these stories beautifully. I love Milo and Lilou. Lilou, a lovely woman, working two jobs to make ends meet, dealing with her horrible mother and then her beloved grandfather falls ill. Milo, a gorgeous fire fighter, whose heart belongs to Lilou, and wants her so bad. When Milo hears that Lilou has put herself into a marriage auction, Milo knows that this is his chance. Milo wins the auction and now Lilou is his! These characters are beautifully written, and the story is filled with love, spicy and a little fun.

[BM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Milo is a firefighter and beneath his outward appearance, he is not grumpy but a loving, caring man. His persona is because of his preoccupation with Lilou, who so far has turned down all his efforts to ask her out. She has issues stemming from her mother's behaviour and fails to recognise his efforts, dismissing herself against other women's looks.
Desperate means call for desperate measures on both sides. She auctions herself for marriage and he buys her. A simple, loving, natural relationship emerges, providing them both with want they want and need in every way.

[Dorrita Winch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lilou is our beautiful, sweet and innocent MFC. She has had moments in life that has marked her. She never had a problem with it until Milo.
Milo is our big, handsom MMC.
And Milo dosnt have plans to let his dream girl Lilou go.
So he makes a proposal that will help her out financially. And in doing so, give each of them a chance of a happy ever after. Because Milo is not giving up on or giving her up.
Has all the good things a Shaw Hart book can deliver.👍🏻🥰❤️.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Thisbe]

Milo seems to be a rather grumpy firefighter, more the lone wolf type. Lilou works a lot to make ends meet, somehow is romantic, but because of the actions of her mother does not think that love has a place in her life. Then she enters a special auction to help her grandfather. Milo, who is secretly in love with the curvy Lilou takes his chance. Sweet, romantic romance with great characters and we meet some people agaian.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

This is book five of the author’s Wolf Valley: Grumps series and features Milo, a one woman man; other women might as well not exist for all he notices. Good thing for Lilou, she IS that woman except she’s oblivious and he’s getting desperate. Check it out to see how Milo finally wins her over.

This was a short, super sweet read where he falls first and hard. Not super steamy but enough for a novella. 4.5 stars!

I received a copy of this book for free from Instalove Influencers but this is my honest opinion.

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Milo knew from the minute he saw her, Lilou was meant to be his. He has tried to get her to go out with him but it never works out. When he finds out she has signed up for arranged marriage, there is no way anyone but him is going to be her husband, it will be real.

Lilou is desperate when her grandfather becomes ill and she needs money for his care. She is really surprised when the man of her dreams is about to be her husband. Why would he do that?

Every girl needs a man like Milo.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Praline 99 · Rating 5 out of 5]

firefighter romance.
Lilou is a young woman who mainly lived with her grandfather while her mother ran from boyfriend to boyfriend. So when her grandfather needs specialized and expensive care after a heart attack, she finds herself selling the one thing she would never have sold.
Milo is a gruff firefighter in a small town. Since he arrived in town he has a crush on Lilou but can't tell her. So when he finds out that she registered online for an arranged marriage he does everything to be her husband.
Will Milo be able to tell Lilou that his feelings are sincere and not a simple arrangement...

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Milo has been crushing on Lilou since the first time he saw her, and she felt the same way, but neither let the other know how they felt. When Milo finds out she needs money for a family emergency and is going to auction herself for marriage he's determined to win her, and things take a forever turn in this fast paced, sweet, and steamy instalove romance. The writing is well done, and the well developed characters had me cheering them on to get their happily ever after. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.